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Set Your Sites

(page 3 of 6)


Photo by Kate McGough,
Perspective Studio

It’s all about the experience at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Red Wing. Whether celebrating in a tropical banquet room, outside on the grassy lawn, or afloat on the 150-passenger “Spirit of the St. Croix” two-story cruise liner, the atmosphere at Treasure Island is unique. Inside the 250-room luxury hotel’s entry, there’s a waterfall, rock pool, and a pair of large tropical fish aquariums to set a tropical tone. The restaurant area resembles a Caribbean village, and the hotel rooms are Caribbean-themed. This fun and festive resort also features a little something for everyone with live entertainment, a golf course, 2,500 slots, 44 blackjack tables, and high stakes bingo.

Minnesotans love the tropics almost as much as they love the water, and what better place to exchange vows than on a boat? Cruises aboard Afton-Hudson Cruise Lines, located in the quaint town of Afton on the beautiful St. Croix River, are available from April through October. After celebrating on the river, many couples (and up to 130 guests) stay overnight at the Historic Afton House Inn. A wedding on a boat is memorable, and guests like that everything is in one location—no driving necessary—making it convenient for out-of-town guests.

Convenience, amazing Lake Superior views (think crashing waves, a rocky shoreline, expansive blue water and brilliant sunsets), and the fun and excitement of an out-of-town wedding appeal to many couples—all reasons why weddings on the North Shore are so popular.

“It’s all about location, location, location,” says Nadya Maravigli, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior’s food and beverage director. Bluefin Bay, located near Lutsen in the town of Tofte, is an award-winning destination resort with a unique lakefront setting.

Not only is Bluefin Bay’s natural setting fit for a king or queen, the area is “wedding friendly” in every way, from the newly-remodeled and contemporary Bluefin Grille Restaurant, with split level dining (perfect for weddings of up to 100 people), a talented chef offering a wide range of menu ideas from salmon or trout to organic meals (a growing trend), and lodging options from hotel suites to townhomes overlooking the water.

Whether it’s a beach wedding in the warm months or a pretty wedding inside when the temperatures drop, weddings at Bluefin Bay are simple, elegant affairs, says Maravigli, who adds that Bluefin is also known as a premier honeymoon destination. 

Another Lake Superior wedding destination is Superior Shores Resort and Conference Center, where “we specialize in making North Shore memories for our couples and their guests,” says Laura Otsea, Superior Shores sales director.

Families love the evening bonfires on the beach, the indoor pool, and the variety of fun activities in the area (hiking at scenic state parks, golfing, site-seeing), while the couple loves that everyone is together in one location on Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore. There really is no “wrong” time to get married at Superior Shores. The area is breathtaking during every season.

According to Otsea, the staff has gone above and beyond to customize wedding couple suites and decorate reception rooms, and they don’t have a food and beverage minimum “so our couples can design the reception dinner of their choice.”

The Lodge on Lake Detroit is a new honeymoon and small wedding destination where couples can revel in affordable luxury. The Lodge is a smoke-free lakefront lifestyle hotel and spa on pristine Lake Detroit. Each guestroom is lakefront with breathtaking views. Guests may enjoy private balconies, glass enclosed showers, an indoor pool area, a fitness room and a complimentary full hot breakfast. The fireplace lobby offers a bar and grand piano for sunset serenades. The Lodge is located on 550 feet of lakeshore—couples can savor the sandy beach, enjoy the fine swimming area, and discover the beauty of Big Detroit Lake in a kayak or on a paddleboat. The Renewal Spa Suites feature an aromatherapy whirlpool and fireplace. The Spa Within offers pampering for couples and bridal parties. The excellent staff will help coordinate and cater a memorable rehearsal dinner, lakeside or fireside lobby wedding ceremony, and the banquet room at the Lodge accommodates up to 100 guests.

Whether sophisticated and formal or laidback and casual; fun and festive or spiritual and serious; each couple has a different idea of their very own “perfect” wedding. Take your time when searching for the ideal venue. You’ll know when you’ve found the perfect fit.

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